Each Area Agency on Aging contracts with an
Information and Assistance (I&A) provider who assesses the needs of the individual
calling for assistance, links the caller to specific services, and then provides
follow-up to ensure, when possible, that the needed services were received. Staffed
by both professionals and volunteers, these I&A's give accurate and up-to-date
information to seniors and their families about programs and services in their community.

In addition, the California Department of
Aging introduced October 1, 1996, a single statewide, toll-free senior services
information line for use from anywhere in the state. Regardless of the county in
which you live, you can dial 1-800-510-2020 and be connected with the service provider
in your local area. If you need information about services in other areas, you will
be referred to a service provider in those regions.

The Information and Assistance service is
an internal function of the Merced County Area Agency on Aging. The Agency has skilled
and trained staff that ensures that the seniors of Merced County are provided with
up to date information and assistance to specific senior services. For more information,
call (209) 385-7550. For service information on the Westside, call (209) 827-7046.

Click here to go
to a list of Government, non-profit, and for-profit web sites related to Senior
issues.